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STATEMENT OF FACTS 



CONNECTED WITH THE 



Hejjairin0 of] the jftarrtsotiroifiltlinijt 



AND 



PUTTING IT IN ORDER 



FOR THE 



Uses of the Territorial Povernment. 



HENRY R. SEARLE, Architect, 

^A7 r ^-S"EiIIsr<3-TOTsr, ID. O. 



WASHINGTON 

1872. 



fa< 




STATEMENT OF FACTS 

CONNECTED WITH THE 

REPAIRING OF THE MORRISON BUILDING, 

AND PUTTING IT IN OEDER FOR THE 

USES OF THE TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT. 



HENRY B. SEARLE, Architect, Washington, D, C. 



There lias been a good deal said about this building, and 
feeling that there was an impression upon the public mind 
of some cause for censure in this work, and the Board of 
Public Works having, through their counsel, singled me out 
for attack before the Congressional Investigating Committee 
— stating that " it was impossible to believe that Mr. H. R. 
Searle had acted faithfully or economically in the matter, " 
I have concluded to give the facts in the case as far as I 
know them and let the public judge for themselves. I do 
not yet believe there has been any wrong committed by 
those who were employed to do the work, but if.thereisany 
wrong I propose to show that the responsibility does not 
rest with me, for I had nothing to do with the employment 
of the men or the payment of them, and in all acts obeyed 
my instructions as near as I could understand them. 

On Friday or Saturday, May 20th or 21st, 1871, Mr. J. G, 
ISTaylor came to my office with Mr. McKnight's buggy and 
said he wanted me to go with him to the Morrison Building, 
1 did so. There I met Messrs. "W. A. Cook, A. E. Shepherd, 
and J. W. McKnight. Mr. Shepherd stated they had sent 
for me to take charge of the building and put it in order for 
the offices of the new District Government, and that I must 
make my plans right away so that the work could commence 



immediately. We went through the building and talked 
over some of the changes to be made. I went back to my 
office, got my measurement book and tape-line, and with an 
assistant measured the whole building and made a plan as 
it was, then marked on the plan the changes as I understood 
them. 

On Monday morning while I was at Mr. Taylor's house, 
on Vermont avenue, Mr, Shepherd came along in his buggy 
and handed me the following letter from Governor Cooke : 

[Copy.] 

District of Columbia, 

Office Board Public Works, 

Washington May 20, 1871. 
Henry R. Searle, Esq., Architect: 

Sir : You are appointed architect of the Morrison Build- 
ing, on 4J street, to prepare and submit a plan of alteration 
of the building for the purpose of District offices, and to 
superintend the work which may he necessary to put the 
building in proper condition for the purpose indicated. 
Very respectfully, 

H. D. COOKE, Governor. 

At the same time that he gave me the letter he stated 
that Mr. J. G. Baylor was to have immediate charge of the 
work at the building and that the furnishing was to be done 
by Mr. J. W. McKnight. Upon this I wrote the following 
letter to Mr. jNaylor : 

Washington, May 23d, 1871. 

J. Gr. EAYLOR. 

Dear Sir: Please call at my room this afternoon, and be 
prepared to commence work on the Morrison Building, 4J 
street, to-morrow morning. 

Yours &c, 

HENRY R. SEARLE, Architect 

On Tuesday I submitted the plans to Mr. Shepherd at his 
office, and where I also met W. A. Cook. Mr. Shepherd 
marked such changes as at that time he thought desirable, 
and also designated the purpose for which many of the rooms 
were to be used, and asked me to make an estimate of the 



cost. Mr. Baylor about this time proposed Mr. Thomas 
Lewis to do the brick work required in these alterations, and 
supposing that I had charge of the building I employed Mr. 
Thomas Lewis to do that work, and had told him to prepare 
for it ; but happening to speak of it to Mr. Shepherd, he at 
first rather objected on the ground that Mr. Thomas Lewis 
was not quite friendly, but afterwards allowed it would 
answer, as one of Mr. Lewis' sons was favorable ; but soon 
after I received the following- card : 

o 

[Copy.] 
^lr. H. R. Searle : 

I want this man, Wm. Simpson, to do all the bricklaying 
jobbing in the Morrison Building. Please put him to work 
at once. 

A. R, SHEPHERD. 

After receiving this card, I went to Mr. Lewis 5 and, in as 
few words as possible, told him it was necessary for me to 
put some one else at work at the Morrison Building in his 
place. After this I received the following, one after another : 

[Copy.] 

Mr. Sbarle: 

I wish the bearer, Bernard West, to do any plastering or 
pointing in the Morrison Building. 

When will you have the estimate. 

A. R. SHEPHERD. 

[Copy.] 
Mr. Searle : 

I should like Mr. Wyvill to have any work in. his line at 
the Morrison Building. 

A. R. SHEPHERD. 
26 May, '71. 

[Copy.] 

Mr. Searle : 

Please give what concreting you have to do to Martin 
Eitzgerald, and oblige. 

A. R. SHEPHERD. 

[Copy.] . 
Dear Searle : 

I should like Mr. J. W. Boteler to have all in his line tit 
the Morrison Building. Please give him the order. 

A. R. SHEPHERD. 



4 

[Copy.] 

Board oe Public Works, 
District of Columbia 

Washington i Aug. 25, 187L 

My Dear Sir : 

If you can conscientiously do anything for C. E. Creecy,- 
esq., I will be obliged to you. 

Very respectfully. 

JAMES A. MAGRUDER. 

To H. R. Searle, esq., Washington, D. C. 

I also received the following with the endorsement on the 
envelope from Mr. Shepherd : 

[Copy.] 

Washington, D. C, May 26, 1871 
A. R. Shepherd, esq. : 

Dear Sir : Permit me very respectfully to introduce Mr. 
Jno. Hogan, who will make known his business. He is a 
Republican. 

Respectfully your obdt. servant, 

SAM CROSS. 

[Copy.] 

^Endorsement. 

Mr. H. R. Searle, E st., 7 and 8: 

Give this man a chance on the awnings at Morrison Build- 
ing;. 

After this experience, I did not think best to put any one 
else at work without Mr, Shepherd's consent, and as two 
men applied to me for the whitening of the ceilings, I ad- 
dressed the following to Mr. Shepherd, which he returned 
with the endorsement: 

Washington, D. C, June 26, 1871. 
A. R. Shepherd, esq. : 

Dear Sir : A colored man by the name of Parry, and a 
white man named John E. Peters, want to do the whitening 
of the ceilings in the Morrison Building. Have you any one 
you would prefer there. 

Truly yours, 

H. R. SEARLE. 



[Copy.] 
Endorsement. 

Kone, if they are good men and Republicans. 

A. E. SHEPHERD. 

v. 

When I was ready for a paperh anger. I went to Mr. Shep- 
herd to see who should be employed. He was not at home, 
but Mr. Thomas Shepherd told me that Mr. Alexander 
would be his brother's choice, and for me to see him. I did 
not do so ; but later in the day Mr. Alexander called upon 
me and said Mr. Thomas Shepherd had sent him to me. 
Supposing I was doing what Mr. A. R. Shepherd would desire, 
I employed Mr. Alexander and set him at work scraping the 
wall. When Mr. A. R. Shepherd returned he said the paper- 
ins: must be divided, and that Mr. Dorsev must have one 
house. I so arranged it with Mr. Alexander and Mr. Dorsev 
that each had one house. I did not think the selections of 
paper by Mr. Dorsey were proper for a business building, and 
I objected to them. I then found that J. W. McKnight was 
responsible -for Mr. Dorsey, and Mr. McKnight proposed I 
should go to Baltimore with him and select paper. I did so. 
He paid the railroad fare for both going and for our dinner, 
which was not an extravagant one, and I paid the railroad fare 
for both returning. Here I wish to state that this was the 
only trip I have ever taken with Mr. McKnight, and the 
statement in the Patriot that I went to IS ew York city with 
Mr. McKnight to fix up the bills for the Morrison Building 
was entirely false ; for I never went to JSTew York with him, 
and never went there on any business connected with the 
Morrison Building. 

When it was decided to fire-proof the south rear building 
I ordered the iron beams from the Phoenix Iron Company, 
Philadelphia, on my own responsibility, and the iron doors 
and windows from the Architectural Iron Company, New 
York. For the iron doors and windows I first got their 
proposal, which, considering the small amount of work and 
the haste with which it must be made, I did not consider too 



6 

much, and therefore gave. them the work without further 
inquiry. 

Mr. McKnight was anxious to have the hill for the fur- 
niture, but Mr. Thomas Shepherd had told me that A. R. 
Shepherd desired that Mr. Wight should have a part of the 
furnishing ; and for this reason, and because 1 heard some 
complaint about McKnight not being a proper dealer, I did 
not give it to him right away, and finally told him I thought- 
Mr. Shepherd desired to divide the bill. Upon this he went 
after Mr. Shepherd and brought him in his buggy to my 
office, when I got in with them and the three of us went 
down to the building, went all through it and consulted 
about carpets and furniture. Mr. Shepherd left us on the 
sidewalk in front of the building, saying ; u You and 
McKnight can now go and make up the bill." McKnight 
and myself went to the City Hall and acquired such infor- 
mation as we could as to the wants of the officers, then went 
to my office, and with the plans before us made up a bill to 
the amount of about $12,000. (It will be seen by referring 
to my estimate that this bill was about double what I had 
estimated.) Mr. McKnight remarking that there was not 
enough furniture, I told him I would rather have too little 
than too much. Soon after this Mr. A. f£. Shepherd spoke to 
me and said the Governor desired Mr. Wight to have a por- 
tion of the furnishing, and wanted to know if the bill was 
made out. I told him it was, and no change was made. 

When the occupants were moving in, more furniture was 
called for. I went to Mr. Shepherd, told him more was 
wanted and that Mr. Wight could have a chance. He told 
me to go to the Governor and state the case and do as he 
told me. I did so. The Governor told me to give part to 
McKnight and part to Wight. When I told McKnight 
this he said, "Don't give the bill till I see you again.'' He 
w^ent to see the Governor, came back and said, " All right, 
do as you like ; the Governor agrees to see that I am elected 
to the House of Delegates again." So Wight had a part of 
the furnishing and McKnight is a member of the House of 



Delegates. This last bill was an increase of about five 
thousand dollars, making a total of furniture by McKnight 
and Wight of $16, 782.82, instead of $6,000, asl had estimated, 
and which increased this bill nearly three times my estimate, 
with the knowledge and consent of the Governor. 

When Mr. Boteler's bill for articles of furniture in his 
line was made up, Mr. Boteler and myself sat down in my 
office, with the plans before us, and made out a list for each 
office as we thought would be needed. In the matter of 
looking-glasses, Mr. Boteler and myself were in the Morri- 
son Building deciding about them, when we met Mr. Shep- 
herd and consulted with him about them, and they were 
satisfactorily agreed upon before they were ordered. Mr. 
Boteler's bill was not included in any estimate I had 
made. 

The following is the estimate spoken of at the commence- 
ment of this statement : 

Estimate, No. 1. 
Board of Public Works: 

Gentlemen : The following is an approximate estimate of 
the cost of preparing the ' s Morrison Building" for the use 
of the Territorial Government : 

Taking clown partitions and cleaning out; $200 00 

Putting up stud partitions 150 00 

10 new doors with glass casings, &c 500 00 

Reijairing base, &c 100 00 

" plastering, 400 yards new. 300 00 

floor 100 00 

135 superficial feet of glass roof 300 00 

135 " " " floor 300 00 

8 sqr. of tin, @ $15.00 120 00 

Sash partitions in each store, $2.50 each 500 00 

100 feet of counters @ $8 800 00 

Shelving back of counters for books, &c 500 00 

_ $3,870 00 

Gleaning down front , 200 00 

Painting woodwork, etc., outside and in 800-00 

Frescoing and papering 700 00 

Awnings to G3 windows and two large ones in 

front . 584 00 

2,284 00 



8 

Two-story fireproof vault for Collector, Water 
Register, and Board of Public Works — 

52,000 brick $1,000 00 

636 superficial feet of Seneca s^tone floor 

and lining, @ $3.00 1,958 00 

Fire-proof lining 200 00 

3 pairs of iron doors 1,000 00 

Shelving 200 00 



$4,358 00 



Plumbing — 

200 feet sewers, different sizes 400 00 

Changing gas-pipe 200 00 

15 water closets, complete, $100 each 1,500 00 

9 urinals, $25 each. . 225 00 

16 washbasins, $75 each 1,200 00 

Gas fixtures 555 00 

4,080 00 

Stoves, furnaces, and grates 2,000 00 2,000 00 

Furniture, carpets, &c. 6,000 00 6,000 00 

Rear Building, fire proof — 

375 feet beams, @ $2.50 937 50 

35,000 brick, @ $20 700 00 

75 yards cement roof 100 00 

3,000 feet " and strips, 8 cts. 240 00 

12 iron windows and shutters 1,200 00 

6 " doors and frames, $75 450 00 

Base : 150 00 

Plastering 272 00 

Painting 100 00 

4,149 50 



$26,741 50 



Very respectfully, 

Your obd't serv't, 

HENRY E. SEARLE, Architect 
Washington, May 31, 1871. 

The date of this estimate will show that it was made 
within eleven days after I was appointed as architect, and not 
when the work was nearly completed, as the Governor testi- 
fies ; and this is the only regular estimate I ever made on 
this building. 



9 

Estimate No. 2. 

Taking down "partitions and cleaning out $200 00 

Putting up stud partitions 150 00 

10 new doors with glass, casings, &c 500 00 

Repairing base, &c 100 00 

" plastering, 400 yards new 300 00 

floor 100 00 

135 superficial feet of glass roof 300 00 

135 " " " floor 300 00 

8 sqrs. tin, @ $15 120 00 

Sash in each store, $250 each 500 00 

100 feet of counters, @ $8 800 00 

Shelving back of counters for books, &c. 500 00 



$3,870 00 



Painting wood work inside 500 00 

Frescoing and papering 700 00 

Awnings to sixty- three windows and two large 

ones in front 384 00 

1,584 00 

Plumbing 3,000 00 3,000 00 

Furniture, carpets, &c 6,000 00 6,000 00 



$14,454 00 



The estimate E"o. 2 is the estimate as changed by the 
committee of which Mr. Shepherd was chairman and returned 
to me. 

I soon after told Mr. Shepherd that if it was the intention 
to adhere to this estimate very little could he done towards 
putting the building in proper condition, and I desired to 
know what was expected. He told me to do all that Avas 
necessary to make the building good but not to be extrava- 
gant. I then visited the Metzerott Building to get an idea 
of what was done there and keep as near that as possible. 
After this no regard was paid to the estimate, but such work 
as was necessary to put the building in good order was done. 
And I wish to state here that Mr. Shepherd and the Gov- 
ernor both went through the building at different times and 
always expressed themselves satisfied with the manner in 
which the improvements were being made. 
2 



10 

On June 6th I wrote the following letter : 

June 6, 1871. 

» 

Board of Public Works of the Territorial Government, D. C. 

Gentlemen : It is of such very great importance that there 
should be some provision made In the Morrison Building for 
the security of the records of the District against fire that I 
respectfully suggest that you allow me to make the south 
rear building lire proof, as I originally intended. I earnestly 
recommend this because^! believe it to be the best and most 
economical arrangement for the uses of the Government. 

Very respectfully, &c, 

HENKY E. SEAELE, Architect 

Mr. Shepherd told me to go on and lire proof the building, 
and I have not changed my opinion in regard to its being a 
necessary and proper protection of the property of the people. 
After it was decided to make the rear building fire proof, 
Mr. Shepherd told me to make it five stories and to make 
the inside lining 9 "thick, instead of 4," which more than 
doubled the cost stated in my estimate, as it made three 
times the brick work and added another floor of iron beams 
and 8 more windows, including the basement, which were 
not at first intended to be of iron. 

It will also be noticed that in the estimate as reduced it 
was not intended to do any of this fire-proof building. 

When the work had progressed for about one month Mr. 
Baylor asked for some money. I went to Mr. Shepherd and 
asked him how the money should be drawn. He told me 
Mr. ISTaylor would know, as he had charge of the fitting up 
of the Metzerott Hall, and that it would be done in the same 
manner. I so stated to Mr. ISTaylor, when he brought me 
the following statement: 

Washington D. C, June 24, 1871. 

District of Columbia to J. G. Naylor, Dr. 

To labor to date $1,658 80 

To lumber 1.500 00 

To plastering 300 00 

To brickwork 400 00 

To ironwork ; 1 ? 000 00 



11 

To architect, $600 00 

To plumbing-. &c ' 1,000 00 

6,458_80 

for which I gave him the following note, viz : 

June mL 1871. 



i' 



'5 



PL I). Cooke, 

Grovernor of the District of Columbia : 
Honorable Sir: There is due J. G-. JSTavlor, for different 
kinds of work and materials used in preparing the Morrison 
Building for the uses of the Territoriol Government, at this 
date, six thousand four hundred and fifty-eight dollars and 
eighty cents, ($6,458.80.) 

Very respectfully, 

Your ob'dt serv't, 

HENRY R. SEARLE, Architect 

After getting certain names on this paper Mr. Baylor drew 
the money from the Freedman's Saving Bank, and according 
to his statement paid 5 per cent, discount for it. The next 
month Mr. Baylor presented to me the following statement, 
viz : 

Washington, D. C, July 24, 1871. 
District of Columbia, to J. Gr. Naylor, Dr. 

To carpentering, hauling, hardware and mouldings $2, 550 21 

To whitening and cleaning 150 00 

To plastering 350 00 

To bricklaying and materials 1,000 00 

To carpets and furniture 5,000 00 

To lumber 1,400 00 

To iron castings 1,000 00 

To plumbing, &c . . . ■. 1,000 00 

To painting and glazing 400 00 

To kalsomining 145 80 

12j996_01 

and for which 1 gave the following note, viz : 

JWy24,mi. 

Henry D. Cooke, 

Governor of the District of Columbia : 
Honorable Sir: There is due J. G. ISTaylor for different 
kinds of work and materials used in preparing the Morrison 



12 

Building for the uses of the Territorial Government at this 
elate, and in addition to that already paid, the sum of twelve 
thousand nine hundred and ninety-six dollars, ($12,996.) 
Very respectfully, 

Your ob't serv't, 

HENRY E. SEAKLE, Architect 

This money was also got from the Freedman's Bank, as 
Mr. Baylor says, by paying 2J per cent. 

Everything went forward satisfactorily to all appearances, 
only that Mr. Shepherd and the Governor were anxious to 
have the work pushed forward as fast as possible, and which 
was done as far as was in my power ; in fact I was complained 
of for being too severe in that respect. During the progress 
of the building the following letters were received, which 
will explain themselves, and also something in relation to 
the interest taken in the matter by all concerned. Those of 
Governor Cooke and Mr. Brown fix the date of the finish- 
ing of the building. I have in addition to these letters about 
fifty business letters in relation to this building, which any 
one, so desiring, can see by calling upon me. 

July 6, 1871. 
Moses Kelly, 

Cashier National Metropolitan Bank. 
Sir : I have to certify that A. E. Shepherd & Bro. are 
doing the plumbing and gas fitting for the Territorial Gov- 
ernment at the Morrison Building,"Eour-and-a-half street, in 
this city. 

This work is authorized by the Governor, and is esti- 
mated to cost four thousand dollars ; and will be paid for 
as soon as the appropriation is made for the work on this 
building. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

HEISTEY E. SEAELE, Architect. 

Mr. Wm. Shepherd called on me, desiring to raise money 
on his bill, and desired the above letter. 

July 21, 1871. 
Mr. Searle: 

The Governor wants the work in Morrison Building hur- 



13 

ried along faster. You must have the bricklayer and 
plasterer hire more men, and put it through without delav. 
Yours, truly, 

A. E. SHEPHERD. 

Washington, August 24, 1871. 
Mr. Searle, Architect, $c. 

Sir: Please prepare at once the room alloted to the 
Register of the District, as he is desirous of moving into it. 

Yours respectfully, 
/ H. D. COOKE, Governor. 

Washington, August 31, 1871. 
Mr. Searle : 

Dear Sir : I have seen Mr. Shepherd, and Ave visited 
together the rooms in southwest corner 4th story lower build- 
ing, in which we were this morning. He says, to see you and 
request you to have them fitted up for my offices. 

I will see you in person at, say 12 J on Friday, at the 
building. 

Verv respectfully, 

J. M. BROWK 

Washington, September 5, 1871. 

Dear Sir : Will you please have the doors on two rooms, 
fourth floor, southwest corner, marked " Board of Public 
Works, Bureau of Contracts and Supplies" and get the furni- 
ture as early as possible, as I am ready to move in. 

Very respectfully, 

J. M. BROWN. 
H. R. Searle, Esq., Architect. 

Washington, September 8, 1871. 

Dear Sir : Will you please have " Board of Public Works, 
Bureau of Contracts and Supplies," put upon the glass of 
doors in southwest rooms, 4th floor, Morrison Building, and 
oblige, 

Yours truly, 

J. M. BROWK 
H. R. Searle, Architect, $c. 

On the 18th or 19th of August, when very near completion 
and when some of the occupants were moving in, I went to 



14 

the building and met there the Governor and Mr. Shepherd, 
we went all through the building. Both expressed them- 
selves well satisfied with everything except the room which is 
now occupied by the attorney, W. A. Cook, and then intended 
for a draughtsman's room, was carpeted. The Governor 
desired the carpet taken up and matting put in its place, 
which was done. 

At this time the Governor asked me what the cost of 
these improvements would be. I replied, I could not tell, as 
I had not seen any of the bills. He said, what do you think ? 
I told him it would be. a mere guess, perhaps $38,000 or 
$40,000. The Governor said he would like an estimate for an 
appropriation to hand in to the Legislature before they should 
adjourn. This I promised to do. (By referring to the above 
letter it will be seen that the building was occupied the 
latter part of August and 1st of September, and that I was 
asked for an estimate for an appropriation the 18th or 19th of 
August, only a few days before, and not when the work was 
little more than half done, as the Governor states in a letter 
written to me afterwards.) On returning to my office I found 
Mr. McKnight's first bill of furniture with the following 
note, viz : 

Dear. Searle : You must, without fail, get in your amount 
on Morrison Building to-day, otherwise the Legislature will 
adjourn without making an appropriation. Add to my bill 
about five hundred for two more carpets and other small 
items ; that will be square. 
Yours, 

j. w. Mcknight. 

The Legislature adjourned the next Wednesday, the 23d 
of August. 

Upon this I went over to the club house on E street and 
told W. A. Cook these facts, and that it was impossible to 
make any accurate or positive statement without the bills 
and stated the same thing that I had before stated to the 
Governor. 

Soon after this I met Mr. Baylor at the building and told 



15 

him what I had done. He said the bills will amount to 
more money. I then asked him his opinion and we sat 
down together and guessed at the amount of each bill and 
set it down ; in this way we made the amount up to about 
$50,000. This we thought would be enough. I went back 
to the " club house " and changed my statement to W. A. 
Cook. He seemed to think it did not make much difference 
as to the amount, and caused to be written out a statement 
for Mr. Campbell to present to the Legislature, asking for 
$48,770, as near as I remember. This estimate (so called) 
included Mr. McKnight's . first bill of about $12,000; it did 
not include the $5,000 for furniture ordered afterwards, 
neither Mr. Boteler's hill of $2,044.25, nor Mr. Creecy's bill 
of $1,960, and which would have made the cost estimated at 
this time to he over $59,000 and which all parties knew was 
not based upon any facts but a mere guess, as it was impos- 
sible to get the facts or the bills in time, and, as it w r as 
afterwards shown when the bills were presented, we did 
not guess high enough on any of the bills. About the 1st of 
September Mr. Shepherd told me he wanted to see Mr. 
JSTaylor. I met Mr. ISTaylor the same day and delivered the 
message. The next day Mr. Baylor came to me and said 
Mr. Shepherd wanted the bills on the Morrison Building 
within one hour. I told Mr. Naylor it was for him to get 
them ; that for some reason, best known to Mr. Shepherd, he 
had kept everything of the kind out of my hands, and he 
(Mr. JNaylor) must do as Mr. Shepherd said. He did get the 
bills together after a few days and came to me with the 
following bill : 

Note. — The date of this bill will show that it was only about two weeks 
after the estimate for an appropriation was asked for before the bills 
were in. 

Washington, D. C, Sept. bth, 1871. 
District of Columbia, to J. G. Naylor, Dr. 

To bill of repairs on Morrison's Building: 

To hardware, lumber, freight, hauling, mould- 
ing and turning, and sundries $24,979 00 



16 

To brick, lime, cement, sand, slate, hauling 
bricklayers and laborers, time cleaning old 
bricks, cutting openings, tearing down walls, 
cleaning, oiling and penciling fronts of build- 
ing, &c $7,300 00 

To scrubbing, cleaning, whitening ceilings, cal- 
somining white, unpacking and handling fur- 
niture 1,350 00 

To furnishing and putting up awnings .. . 775 00 

To scraping walls and papering the same 4,604 80 

To plastering and furnishing labor and material 2, 650 00 

To furnishing iron beams, window frames, 

shutters, etc., for fire-proof L building 4,484 43 

To iron grating and iron porch 700 00 

To putting up lightning rods 350 00 

To painting, glazing and materials 2, 600 00 

To tinning 500 00 

To Schillinger's artificial stone pavement and 

concrete in cellar 1,960 00 

To stone work 250 00 

To bill of J. W. Boteler & Bro., for spittoons, 

towel racks, umbrella stands, &c 2,044 25 

To plumbing, gas-fitting, furnishing brackets, 

chandeliers, &c 6, 777 QQ 

To furnishing carpets, furniture, &c 16,782 82 

$78,107 96 

Cr. 

By cash 19,454 80 

Balance due 58, 653 16 

To architectural services, 5 per cent, on cost ... 3, 905 00 

Survey on old building 50 00 

3,955 39 



62,608 55 



The above bill is correct. 

Washington, September 6,1871. 

HENRY R. SEARLE, Architect 

I was a good deal surprised at the size of the bill. I went 
over the items of the bill. Those that I could measure, such 
as carpets, pavements, tinning, and lightning rods, I did so 
and from my own knowledge of the building, having been 



17 

there almost every day, and from Mr. Baylor's statement, 
I was satisfied the bill was not extravagant, though large, 
and so certified to it, and I still think the bill can be sus- 
tained by fair treatment. This bill was then taken by Mr. 
Eaylor to Mr. Shepherd, when I received the following- 
letter : 

Washington, D. C, 6th September, 1871. 

Mr. H. R. Searle : 

Dear Sir : Mr. JSaylor handed me to-day what purports 
to be a bill for work at the Morrison Building, and your 
approval leads me to some doubts as to your sanity upon 
the subject. Please call upon me to-morrow morning as I 
desire to see you with respect to the account. 
Truly yours, 

ALEX. E, SHEPHERD & BROS. 

I called on Mr. Shepherd, when he took out the bill and 
spoke of its being too much and a great deal more than was 
expected. I told him I knew that, but after looking them 
over, to the best of my judgment they were not extravagant. 
He was a good deal disturbed about it and said they must 
be cut down, in fact, he would not pay it ; that they might 
sue for it. I asked him to say where it should be cut down, 
and he spoke of ISTaylor's bill, and said I must try and re- 
duce that and others. Finally he concluded it could be 
arranged to apportion the amount in three bills, one against 
the District to cover the amount of appropriation, one 
against the Board of Public Works for their share of the 
building, and one for a new appropriation ; and at the same 
time I was to reduce the bill if possible. The following is 
a verbatim copy of the apportionment that Mr. Shepherd 
wrote himself: 

Board of Public Works: 

To two lire-proof vaults and fitting up for Board in building, 

($3,000 each) $6,000 00 

To fitting up rooms for Board, plastering, painting and car- 
penters' work 4,700 00 

Awnings, for 800 00 

Papering 1>500 00 

3 



Gas Fitting and Plumbing .- $1,971 00 

Furniture, carpets, &c. . . . % 7° 3 00 

Superintendents 1,100 00 



$22,278 00 



$78,000 

22,273 

56 

8 

$48,000 



Note.— The $22,273 oo was to be charged to the 
Board of Public Works, the $8,000 00 for anew 
appropriation, and the $48,000 00 to come within. 
the appropriation already made. 



He also marked on the original bill how the items should 
be changed to correspond with this apportionment. I then 
took the bill again and called on Messrs. Nay lor, McKnight, 
West, Alexander and others, but they all refused to take 
anything" less, but wanted to increase the amount. I then 

J " . O 7 

apportioned the bills as near as possible as Mr. Shepherd de- 
sired and took them to him again. He was surprised that 
the bills were not reduced, but I told him thev all refused to 
submit to it. It may have been at this meeting that Mr. 
Shepherd said they might sue for it, instead of the former 
one ; but at this meeting the apportionment was not satis- 
factory to him, as they did not come quite to the amount of 
the appropriation ; so I took the bills again and had them 
written over. This third time they were satisfactory. 
Mr. Shepherd then said to me : Mr. Mullet is your friend ; I 
want you to take these bills to him, then to Mr. Magruder, 
then to "W. A. Cook, and then bring them to me. I 
did so. When I called upon Mr. Mullet and stated my busi- 
ness, he became very violent and abusive, said he had noth- 
ing to do with this matter, and did not propose to Lave. I 
told him my only reason for calling was that Mr. Shep- 
herd requested it, and I bid him good morning. I then went 
to 44- street building ; saw Mr. Magruder ; he was a little 
more gentlemanly, but said it was something he had nothing 
to do with, and did not propose to have. I then went to see 
W. A. Cook, but he was not in. I then went back to Mr. 
Shepherd, and, feeling a good deal injured at the unjust 



19 

treatment I received from Mr. Mullet in a matter that I felt 
was a mere accommodation on my part, I told Mr. Shepherd 
that for all the money or patronage that the Board of Public 
Works, individually and collectively, might have, I would 
not take any such abuse. I told him the Governor had ap- 
pointed me on this work and my duty was to report to him, 
which I proposed to do at once. Mr. Shepherd thought this 
would be the best, and he said he would in the meantime 
see the Governor. I then came back to my office and wrote 
the following letter to the Governor, viz : 

Washington, D. C, Sept. 12, 1871. 
Henry D. Cooke, 

Governor of the District of Columbia ; 

Governor : According to your appointment, May 20, 1871, 
as architect of the Morrison Building on Four-and-a-half 
street, and to prepare and submit a plan of alterations of the 
building for the purposes of the District offices, and to super- 
intend the work which may be necessary to put the building 
in proper condition for the purposes indicated, I have caused 
such work to be done, and, as the building is ready for oc- 
cupancy, I respectfully submit the bills for the same, which 
is herewith enclosed. 

As will be seen upon examination, these bills exceed the 
appropriation asked for. When I made my estimate for the 
appropriation I ascertained, as near as possible, the amount 
of the different bills. But on receiving the actual bills they 
have in almost every case exceeded the amount estimated ; 
and especially in the bill of furniture, which, from necessity, 
was nearly or quite double after the estimate was made. 

I have examined all these bills, and while in the aggregate 
they seem large, I do not think them extravagant. Every 
item of material or work charged has been furnished, and 
at reasonable prices. I am satisfied the expenditures will 
bear any scrutiny. In making these bills I have thought 
the Board of Public Works could bear their proportion of 
the expense, and have so charged them with it. 

I have also made a bill to come within the appropriation, 
and another to make up the deficiency, for which I would 
respectfully recommend an additional appropriation be asked. 

If the apportioning of the bills does not meet your appro- 
bation, I will have them made out as you desire. 



20 

This is the first commission I have received from the Cor- 
poration of "Washington, and it is possibly the last. 

I was agreeably disappointed at receiving even this from 
you, and desire to take this opportunity to thank you for it, 
and to say that while we have never met but little, I have 
alwaysbeen treated very kindly by you, and am sorry that 
these bills should be so much in excess of the appropriation, 
and therefore be a source of annoyance to you, as they cer- 
tainly are to me. 

Very respectfully yours, 

HE¥RY R. SEARLE, Architect 

I have no complete copy of this bill as last apportioned. I 
wrote this letter in this way, not mentioning Mr. Shepherd's 
mame in relation to the apportionment, because I supposed 
Mr. Shepherd would see the Governor and be man enough 
to make the statement himself; but, from the Governor's 
subsequent action, I can but think he is entirely ignorant 
of the real facts even to this day. I also expected that the 
Governor would in any case send for me to make an expla- 
nation ; and then, if it was concluded the bills should be cut 
down, that the workmen would be called upon to select an 
arbitrator, the Board of Public Works one, and if necessary 
a third one, and a fair settlement made ; but instead of that, 
from this time forward, everything that this Board of Public 
Works could do to destroy my character, and put upon me 
the responsibility of a matter of which I had no control, has 
been done, as will be seen by the way in which matters were 
conducted after this. 

J^othinsr more was heard from the bills for two or three 
weeks after I sent them to the Governor, when I met Mr. 
Shepherd one day, I think at his place of business on the 
avenue. He said he would like to have me come down to the 
Board of Public Works' room that evening at five o'clock. 
I did so. I met there Mr. Mullett, Mr. Magruder, and Mr. 
Shepherd, and here for the first time heard that Messrs. 
Mullett and Magruder were on a committee with Mr. Shep- 
herd in this matter. Some conversation was had about the 
Jnlls, when Mr, Mullett began to be a little lively and would 



21 

do nothing without a full report from the architect. I 
stated that I thought I had made all the report necessary 
for me to make under the circumstances, when he made 
some noisy reply, and Mr. Shepherd said: We don't want any 
more talk,, but Mr. Searle will present the detailed hills of 
the work done on the building and we will see what there is 
about it. Upon this I came away ; for after what had trans- 
pired between Mr. Shepherd and myself, I did not desire 
to have much to say. The next morning I called upon Mr. 
Shepherd at his own office ; he was quite indifferent and 
wanted to know if I desired to see him. I said I did; that 
I did not clearly understand last evening what was desired 
of me, and so I came to him. He said they wanted the detail 
bills, and was somewhat loud in his expression, and wound 
up by saying, he was sorry; but that I had got myself in a 
very bad fix. I told him I was willing to take all the re- 
sponsibility in this matter that belonged to me. That he knew 
very well that I had nothing to do with these bills so far. 
He wanted to know who had. I told him Mr. Baylor. He 
said, can't you have Mr. Baylor produce these bills ? I said 
I could. I then asked him if the discount that had been 
paid and that which was expected yet to be paid to the 
Freedman's Bank should be added to these bills. He said, 
yes. I left him and told Mr. Baylor that he was to produce 
the bills in detail ; which he did, but Mr. West, Mr. Mac- 
nichol, and I think Mr. Hudson, presented larger bills, not 
being satisfied with my allowance. These bills Mr. Baylor 
showed to me before presenting them, and also brought Mr. 
Frederick, the architect, to my office, to say that he had 
been through the building often during +he progress of the 
work, and had examined the work for Mr. Naylor, and his 
estimate for the work and material included in Mr. Baylor's 
bill would amount to $28,000, or about three thousand 
dollars more than I had allowed him. I stated that these 
bills could be presented as large as they choose but that I 
did not think the Board would allow any more than I had. 
Mr. Baylor then took these bills to Mr. Meed, the Auditor 



22 

of the Board of Public Works. I went with him. Mr. 
Meed said he thought it would he well for me to make a 
written statement as to the reason for the size of these bills, 
and I wrote the following : 

Messrs A. R. Shepherd, A. B. Mullet and Col. Maoruder, 
Committee of Board of Public Works : 

Honorable Gentlemen : As you requested, Mr. Naylor has 
furnished a detail statement as far as possible of labor and 
material furnished in preparing the Morrison Building for 
the uses of the Territorial Government. 

In explanation of the- difference between the estimated 
cost of the work, and the actual bill, I have to say that it is 
next to impossible at best to give more than an approximate 
estimate of the cost o'f repairing an old building, and my 
estimate stated that it was only an approximate estimate ; 
but in this case much more work was done than was esti- 
mated for; for instance, it was not intended to disturb any 
of the partitions in the fourth floor; a number of them were 
taken out and others put in to connect the halls. 

In the plastering, much that I supposed would answer, in 
giving it a general inspection when upon commencing to 
patch it, it was found positively necessary to take whole 
ceilings oft', and in moving partitions, considerable would 
fall oft', and more loose would have to be taken off, increasing 
this bill verv greatlv. 

In fire proofing the south rear building it was first in- 
tended to have but three stories finished, and for which I 
thought a 4-inch' lining" would answer; afterwards it was 
decided to add another story and finish the basement, and 
which necessitated a 9-inch lining, which, with the additional 
story, increased the expense by about three times. 

In the plumbing it was supposed there was a sewer in 4J 
street ; in fact so positive were people who were acquainted 
with the street that there was a sewer there that the street 
was twice opened to find it, but it was not thereof sufficient 
depth to drain the water-closets in the rear, and a sewer had 
to be laid from the rear down through the alley to another 
connecting under Pennsylvania avenue. This also necessi- 
tated a change of water-closets, and another story was built 
on the north rear building to accommodate them, and iron 
soil pipes had to be extended the whole length of the main 
building to accommodate the closets of other offices. This 



23 

change of sewers changed the whole calculation for plumbing 
and necessarily increased the cost. 

The mantles and grates at first appeared in order, but on 
a closer examination portions of the grates were gone. jSTo 
such patterns being now accessible, new ones had to be put 
in, and in many cases mantles re-set ; also some were broken 
and would not bear re-setting and new ones had to be put in 
their places. 

The furniture as first estimated for I soon found on in- 
quiring was not near enough, and the bill was largely in- 
creased — in fact all the separate kinds of work and materials 
were added to, and in many cases trebled, which necessarily 
greatly increased the carpenters' work and laborers' work in 
cleaning up, and the painters' and paperhangers' work. 

In regard to the estimate for the appropriation, I have to 
say that the Governor asked me for such an estimate. Soon 
after, on the same day, I received intimation, not official, 
that the Legislature would adjourn that day and it was 
necessarjr for the estimate to be in for an appropriation 
before 2 o'clock ; this gave me but a very short time to make 
it. I saw Mr. Naylor and together we made an estimate, as 
near as we could, of the different bills, only two or three of 
which we actually had, and which I so stated verbally to 
Mr. W. A. Cook when I handed in the estimate. 

The bills which we did not have when handed in were 
more than was expected ; and in the case of the furniture, 
which bill we had, it was found that there had not been 
much more than one half enough ordered, and with the 
knowledge of the Governor and Mr. Shepherd this bill was 
largely increased after the appropriation was made. 

When the bills were called for about three weeks ago, 
they were ordered to be in within an hour ; they were not 
made up in that time, but as soon as possible, and in this 
case some of them could not be got and had to be estimated. 

In making this report I do not want to make any apology 
for myself or for any one else connected with the improve- 
ments at the Morrison Buildiug, but merely state facts, and 
to say that I believe every one has tried to do the best that 
they could and get only a fair remuneration for their work. 
Very respectfully yours, 

HEISTRY R. SEARLE, Architect. 

Washington, September 30th, 1871. 

Thrs was on Saturday, September 30th. On Monday, the 



24 

2d of October, I received the following letter from Governor 

Cooke : 

Executive Office, 

District of Columbia, 

Washington, Sept. 22, 1871. 

Henry E. Searle, Esq, Architect, $c. : 

Sir : Your communication in reference to the cost of the 
alterations, &c, of the Morrison Building, and transmitting 
bills therefor, was received, and its contents caused me no 
little surprise. Your statement is so largely in excess of the 
estimate made by yourself, and when the work was more 
than one half completed, that I am at a loss to account for 
so great a discrepancy; except upon a hypothesis, either of 
incompetency or gross neglect of the architect in charge. 

The reputation you have snstained in your profession 
would hardly justify a belief in your incompetency ; but that 
there has been a neglect to watch expenditure, and a failure 
to exercise an intelligent supervision of the work as it pro- 
gressed so as to keep it within the limits of the appropriation 
made therefor, (which was based upon your estimate,) there 
can be no doubt. 

The first intimation I had of this excess of expenditures 
was conveyed to me by your letter, and received after the 
work had been completed. 

Had the probability of such excess been known to me, or 
to the committee who entrusted you with the work, during 
the progress of the same, much of the outlay could have 
been, and no doubt would have been avoided. 

As it is, after a careful consideration of the whole matter, 
I have concluded to refer your letter to the Committee, with 
instructions to have an accurate measurement of all work 
done, and an estimate of the cost thereof made by competent 
and disinterested architects, who will also take an inven- 
tory of the furniture supplied. 
Very respectfully, 

HENRY D. COOKE, Governor. 

Note. — I never made any estimate at the time referred to in this letter 
"whe^the work was more than half completed." My only regular esti- 
mat#wls made eleven days after I was appointed, and I made a guess on 
the biMs about two weeks before they were handed in. 

It will be seen that this letter is dated the 22d of Sentember. 

JL 

The envelope which I have was post-marked Oct. 1st. I re- 
ceived it Oct. 2d. This letter, it seems , was written about jeight 



'Ad 

days before it was mailed. I received it three weeks after I 
had sent him the bills. The Governor was advertised as 
having left here Sunday night, Oct. 1st, for ISew York and 
Europe, to meet his family ; therefore it was impossible for 
me to make any reply to this, so I concluded to let these 
men act their own pleasure. The next move was, Messrs. 
Cluss and Rankin came to my office, and with them a big 
six-footer whom they did not introduce, and handed me the 
following letter : 

Board of Public Works, District of Columbia, 

Washington, JD. C, Oct. 13, 1871. 

Henry R. Searle, Esq., Washington, D. C: 

Sir : You are informed that Messrs. J C. Rankin and A. 
Cluss have this day been appointed a commission to examine 
and establish the value of all improvements in the building 
occupied by the District of Columbia, on Four-and-a-half 
street, and you are requested to furnish them all facilities in 
the prosecution of their duties. 
Very respectfully, 

ALEX. R. SHEPHERD, Vice President. 

I showed them all they desired to see, when they proposed 
taking the papers away. I said, no. You can see these pa- 
pers here ; but this is a matter in which I feel I am not 
justly treated. I have taken no legal advice; but, without 
any disrespect to you, I feel it my duty to myself, and to the 
men who have done the work, to keep in my possession all 
papers that properly belong to me, and therefore declined to 
allow them to take the papers away. They left saying they 
would have to so report to their superiors. 

I then took advice on the subject and was told I had done 
right, and my counsel then wrote for me a letter to Mr. 
Shepherd, stating that I would give all information required, 
but declined giving up the original papers. About this time 
I received the following, viz : 

Board of Public Works, District of Columbia, 

Washington, Oct. 16, 1871. 

H. R. Searle, esq. 

Sir : The undersigned having been appointed a commis- 

4 



26 

sion to measure, value and appraise the work done and arti- 
cles furnished to the building on Four-and-a-half street, in 
the city of Washington, occupied as offices by the Govern- 
ment of the District of Columbia, we have to request that 
you, as architect of these works, will furnish us with all the 
plans and specifications showing and detailing the state of 
the buildings before the improvements and alterations were 
made ; also the plans and specifications under which these im- 
provements and alterations were made, as well as all re- 
corded information during the progress of said works. 

"We request that these papers will be left with Mr. Chas. 
I. Johnson, Treasurer's Office, Board of Public Works of D. 
C, Four-and-a-half street, Washington, by 4 o'clock P. M. 
on Tuesday, the 17th October, 1871. 
Very respect flirty, 

- * APOLPH CLITSS, | Commissloners - 

Which I answered as follows : 

October 18, 1871. 
Adolf Cluss, esq. : 

Dear Sir: If you desire it, I will have copies made of any 
papers I have in my possession in relation to the work at 
the Morrison Building. 

I do not wish to be understood as opposing in any way 
any investigation or examination of this work. 
Truly yours, 

HENRY R. SEARLE. 

Afterwards I received the following : 

Treasurer's Office, 

Board of Public Works, 
District of Columbia, 

Washington, Oct. ISth, 1871. 

H. R. Searle, Esq., Architect, Washington, D, C. 

Sir : Acknowledging receipt of your letter, we have to say 
that we will be glad to receive from you authenticated copies 
of such plans, specifications and other papers relative to the 
improvements and alterations made on the Morrison Building 
as you may have in your possession. 

If you could furnish us with the working drawings that 
were actually used on the building they would suit us as 
well as those which you retain for the files of your office, and 
also save you the trouble and expense of making copies. 



27 

What we require particularly is the plau showing the build- 
ing before the alterations were made. Your specifications 
will, of course, note the changes, and we can readily recog- 
nize such changes in the building. 

Please advise us when we may expect the desired papers. 
Very respectfully, 

J. C. RANKEST, ) n 

ADOLPH CLUSS, Commissioners. 



I then prepared the plans they desired and sent them with 
the following letter : 

October 24, 1871. 
Messrs. Cluss and Rankin : 

Gentlemen - : Herewith are copies of the plans of the 
Morrison Building, 4J street, showing the alteration in the 
building. 

These are copies of the plans I made to work by. There 
may be some slight difference between them and the actual 
work; for instance, I am not certain that the washbasins are 
all in the places indicated on the plan, as it was found 
in doing the work another location would be more conve- 
nient ; but the plans show, as near as possible, interior 
arrangement of the building as it was before the alterations 
and as the building now is. 

Any further information you may desire I shall be pleased 
to furnish you. 

Very respectfully yours, 

HENRY R. SEARLE. 

I next received the following from the Architectural Iron 
Co., with the following copy of bill, viz: 

New York, Oct. 24, 1871. 

EL P. Searle, Architect, Washington, D. C> 

Dear Sir : We are in receipt of a letter from J. C. Pankin 
and Adolph Cluss, as a commission to measure and value 
work for building for District of Columbia, on Four-and-a- 
half street, inquiring for a bill of items for iron beams fur- 
nished by us. They send us a copy of our bill to you, $2,985, 
and with an addition of " iron beams, &c, $899.43," making 
our bill a total of $3,884.43. This item of beams we presume 



you added to our bill, and hence we must refer their request 
to you for answer. 

We enclose the copy of bill. 
Yours respectfully, 

ARCITECTURAL IRON WORKS, 

J. W. Clark. 

The following is a copy of the bill, viz : 

IsTew York, Aug. 30, 1871. 

H. R. Searle, for Morrison Building, Washington, D. C, to 
the Architectural Iron Works, (lot\ and l&h streets near 
Avenue C. Branch office 42 Duane street near Centre.) 

Dr. 

5 sets of vestibules with inside and outside doors, (lire proof, ) 
@ $225 each $1,125 00 

16 window frames and sash hung with weights and shutters 

@ $95 each 1,520 00 

4 window frames and sash, hung with hinges and shutters @ 

$50 each 200 00 

10 locks and putting same on vestibule doors, @ $14 each . . . 140 00 

$2,985 00 
Iron beams, &c 899 43 

$3,884 43 

A true copy, . J. C. RANKIK 

which caused me to write the following letter to Cluss & 
Rankin, viz: 

October 25, 1871. 
Messrs. Cluss & Rankin : 

Gentlemen : It seems to me unnecessary for you to send to 
'New York or anywhere else for information that can be got 
here for the asking. I received, this morning, a letter from 
the Architectural Iron Co., of ISTew York, containing a copy 
of their bill with an item of iron beams added at the bottom. 
This was all explained to Mr. Meed, Auditor of the Board 
of Public Works, but for your information I will volunteer 
its explanation again. 

When these bills were called for I could not find readily 
the item bill from the Phoenix Iron Co., but had the gross 
amount on my books, and so marked it at the bottom of the 
bill from the Architectural Iron Co. I afterwards found on 
inquiring that as the bill had been paid it had been filed 



20 

with receipts by one of my clerks. And when the bill 
of items was called for by Mr. Meed, I furnished them, and 
you now have them among your papers. 

There were two bills from the Phoenix Iron Co. — 

One for beams for §686 30 

And one for 20 31 

Making a tola! of §706 61 

I added to this a percentage of 192 82 

Making up the item of $899 43 

As shown on the Architectural Iron Go's bill. The above 
percentage was not added for my benefit, but for the benefit 
of the parties from whom the money was got by Mr. Baylor 
at a discount to pay these bills with. This amount of per- 
centage was not added for the Phoenix bill alone, but for all 
bills that I was responsible for and for which I had authority. 
I am, gentlemen, very respectfullv yours, 

HEjS t EY e. seakle. 

They replied as follows : 

Board op Public Works, 

District of Columbia, 
Office of Chief of Bureau of Buildings, 

Washington, Oct. 26, 1871. 
Henry R. Searle, esq. : 

Sir : In reply to yours of the 25th inst., taking exception 
to our asking the Architectural Iron Works of !New York 
for a copy of their account for articles supplied to the Mor- 
rison Building on Four-and-a-half street, we have to say, for 
the purpose of placing ourselves on record, that we did so 
immediately after you had absolutely refused to give us the 
information required in the investigation intrusted to us ; a 
decision which was afterwards reconsidered by you in your 
communication of the 18th inst. 

You will readily perceive that after your peremptory re- 
fusal to a courteous request, tendered by us personally, we 
had no recourse but to fall back on the written records 
which were presented by the bills and the evidence presented 
by the building itself; and we were compelled to accept 
the situation thus forced upon us. 
Very respectfully, 

J. C. RAJSTKHST, ) n 

ADOLF CLUSS, f Commissioners. 



3< 



To which I replied as follows : 

October 27, 1871. 
Messrs. Cluss and Rankin : 

Gentlemen : In reply to yours of the 26th, I have to say 
that I do not take exceptions to your making inquiries in 
relation to the bills at the Morrison Building anywhere you 
choose ; but I said it was unnecessary for you to send to 
J^Tew York or anywhere else for information you could get 
here for the asking. And for the purpose of placing myself 
on record, I have further to say that when you came to my 
office and personally asked for information required in the 
investigation intrusted to you of the bills at the Morrison 
Building, 1 showed you all the papers then in my possession, 
and never in any way refused you any information you 
desired ; and fortunately have proof of this fact. 

But when you desired to take away the only copy of the 
plans of the building I had, and on which were memoranda 
of importance to me, I said I had not taken any legal 
advice on the subject, but felt that I could not let them go 
out of my possession ; but that you could see them at any 
time in my office, and that I would furnish all the informa- 
tion you desired, as far as in my power. I refused to let 
these plans go, because I felt, in justice to the men who had 
done the work on the building and to myself, I should keep 
these papers in my possession. I have since taken some ad- 
vice on the subject, and was told I was right ; and from the 
tenor of your letter I am still more convinced of the fact. 
Very' respectfully, yours, 

HENRY R. SEARLE. 

This commision went to work measuring, and began ask- 
ing those who were employed on the building how much 
Mr. Searle was to receive of their bill, but thev soon found 
they had made a mistake, and stopped it. Here matters 
rested again ; this commission settling such bills as they could, 
in one way and another, and about which I propose to speak 
before I am through. After waiting what I thought a suit- 
able time for the commission to get through their labors and 
make a report, I wrote the following to the Governor : 

"Washington, Jan. 8, 1872. 
Henry D. Cooke, 

Governor of the District of Columbia : 
Honorable Sir : It is now over three months since you 



->1 

•J J. 

appointed a commission to examine the bills for preparing 
the "Morrison Building" for the district offices. 

I did not receive your notice that you should appoint such 
a commission until after you had left the city for New York 
and Europe ; and, while I felt your action to be hasty and 
unjust, it seemed to me best to wait patiently until you had 
an opportunity to carefully examine the bills, feeling certain 
that such an examination would exonerate me from all 
blame in the matter ; and had I been asked by you for an 
explanation, I am satisfied this matter would have been 
settled long ago. 

I feel now as if time enough had elapsed for any examina- 
tion, and therefore I respectfully ask what action you have 
decided to take in the matter. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

HENRY R. SEAELE. 

To this I received no answer. After waiting two weeks I 
wrote the following : 

January 24, 1872. 
Henry D. Cooke, 

Governor of the District of Columbia : 

Honorable Sir : That there shall be no possibility of a 
misunderstanding between us, and no hasty action on my 
part, I take the liberty of addressing you once more in rela- 
tion to my position as architect of the "Morrison Building." 

Knowing, as I do, that in every particular I have acted 
according to your instructions as given me through your 
committee, and most of these instructions in writing, your 
outrageous treatment of me is something I cannot under- 
stand. 

I do not pretend to teach you anything as a business man, 
but I intuitively know that if I have done wrong it is your 
duty to prosecute me, and if I have not done wrong it is 
your duty, as a public officer, to protect me ; and in either 
case you have no right to condemn me without an explana- 
tion. 

I shall wait for one week from to-day at 12 o'clock, and 
then, if I hear nothing satisfactory from you, I shall feel it 
my duty to protect myself in such a manner as I see fit. My 
present intention is to then publish every fact connected 
with the " Morrison Building," so far as I am concerned, 
and at the same time commence suit for such amount as may 



82 

be due me for services rendered. Hoping that there may 
yet be a mutual explanation that will be satisfactory to both 
of us, 

I am, very respectfully, }~ours, 

HEKRY E. SEARLE. 

This brought the following answer: 

Executive Ofeice, 
District of Columbia, 
Washington, January 29, 1872. 

Dear Sir : I am in receipt of your letter of the 24th inst., 
in which you request an opportunity to make, your explana- 
tions concerning the repairs on the Morrison Building. In 
compliance with the request, I have to say that I will meet 
you with the Committee of the Board of Public Works hav- 
ing the matter in charge, this afternoon at 5 o'clock, at the 
office of the Board. 

I am, very respectfully, 

H. D. COOKE, Governor. 

H. R. Searle, Architect, $c. 

I answered that in this way: 

January 29, 1872. 
Henry D. Cooke, Governor of the District of Columbia : 

Honorable Sir : Your favor, requesting me to meet the 
Committee of the Board of Public Works, has been received. 
My request was to meet you personally and place facts in 
your possession with which I must assume you are not ac- 
quainted. 

ISTo good can result from a meeting with a Committee the 
members of which have prejudged the case, and who have 
maligned my character, and done all in their power to injure 
my reputation as an architect. My employment was effected 
through you, and you owe it to yourself as well as to me to 
hear my explanation, and then act as to you may seem just. 
The only meeting I can have with your committee will be in 
the presence of a court, where common civil ty will be 
accorded and something like justice done. 

I shall be pleased to meet you personally at any time you 
may appoint. 

Yery respectfully yours, 

HENRY R. SEARLE. 

This brought a verbal answer by one of my clerks to meet 
the Governor at his bank the next morning at 10 o'clock. 



33 

This I did. The Governor met me in such a manner that it 
did not seem that any good would be accomplished for me 
to make any statement, and I so told him. He rather apolo- 
gized for his manner, and desired me to state my object in 
meeting him. I gave him some of the facts given here, when 
he stated that in his great amount of business many matters 
must be left to committees ; this was one that he had left in 
that way, and he did not know much about it. He said Mr. 
Shepherd was very friendly towards me, and he, the Gov- 
ernor, wished that I would meet him and Mr. Shepherd. 
This I finally agreed to do, and the time was set at 3 o'clock 
that afternoon, at Mr. Shepherd's own office. We met there, 
and after some explanations, Mr. Shepherd stated that he was 
sorry the committee had taken the course they had, and that 
if he was back aa;am he should do differently ; that they had 
not intended any injury to me; that the whole matter was a 
mistake, and that I should so consider it. We parted seem- 
ingly the best of friends; and why I should be singled out to 
be attacked by their counsel, in his argument before the late 
investigating committee, is more than I can understand. 

I have never yet seen a report of this commission, and do not 
know how all the bills were settled, but it was stated by the 
Governor that these bills had been greatly cut down, and in 
the words of their eminent counsel, " they have fearlessly 
cut them down to 58,000 dollars." 

The following is what I know about it ; taking the items 
from the original bill, which Mr. Nay lor handed in. (It is 
customary for all builders, where they have charge of work 
and attend to the collecting and paying the bills to charge 
10 per cent, on all bills not immediately connected with their 
own work, and 25 per cent, on material and labor which 
comes under their own department. This percentage of 10 
per cent, was not charged on all the bills, but those on which 
it was charged showed for themselves ; also the percentage 
that had been* or was expected to be paid to the Freedmen's 
Bank was charged on the face of some of the bills, not all. 
5 



34 

This percentage, which this commission threw out, amounted, 
according to my best recollection, to about $3,000.) 

Item 1. Mr. is T aylor's individual bill, $24,979. Mr. ISTaylor 
tells me they have reduced this item about $10,000, but he re- 
refused settlement. They allowed him arbitrators, but for 
some reason the arbitrators gave their settlement without 
hearing his side at all ; therefore he refused to accept this as 
a settlement, and it does not appear to me that his bill is 
cut down yet. 

Item 2. Simpson, the bricklayer's bill, $7,300. In this bill 
were some items connected with the brick work not done by 
Simpson, which Mr. Baylor added, and which showed on the 
face of the bill. Mr. Simpson told me these items were taken 
off, and then he got his pay ; he also, at the same time, received 
an appointment, under Mr. Chase on sewers, which I believe 
he still holds. 

Item 3. For whitening the ceilings, scrubbing, unpacking 
furniture, &c., $1,350. . Most of this was paid before the 
commission was appointed, and was not cut down more than 
the percentage. 

Item 4. Hogan's bill for awnings, $775 ; percentage taken 
off and bill increased. 

Item 5. Paperhangers' bills, $4,604.80 ; were reduced a 
little beyond the percentage, but Mr. Alexander, I know, was 
greatly dissatisfied, and accepted it only because he thought 
it the cheapest way. 

Item 6. Mr. "West, plasterer: original bill $2,650. This 

bill, by percentage and deduction, was reduced to $2,100. 

Mr. West was not satisfied with even my settlement of this 

account and wanted it measured by some one else, and came 

to me for a letter to Shepherd, which I gave as follows : 

September 28, 1871. 
Hon. A. R. Shepherd. 

Dear Sir : Mr. West does not feel satisfied with my meas- 
urement of his work and desires Mr. Morsell to measure it. 
I also join him in the request that you will ask Mr. Morsell 
to measure his work. 

Yery respectfully yours, 

HENRY R. SEARLE. 



35 

Mr. West put in a bill for $3,600, but took §2,100 and a 
superintendence" of men on the street. 

Item 7. Iron work, beams, &c, $4,484.43. After deduct- 
ing percentage, they deducted $1,000 off the Architectu- 
ral Iron Co. The Company refused to take it, and have 
sued the Government. 

Item 8. Iron steps, &c, $700. I never heard how settled. 

Item 9. For lightning rods, $350. After deducting per- 
centage, this bill was reduced to about $212. The man tells 
me before witnesses that he wanted money bad. His child 
had recently died ; he owed for funeral expenses, and he had 
a deed of trust due on his house. He was glad to get any- 
thing, and so took this settlement and sold it to the Freed- 



men's bank for about $192. 

Item 10. Painting and Glazing, $2,600. Percentage taken 
off, and one of these bills increased. 

Item 11. Tinning, $500. I never heard how this item 
was settled. 

Item 12. Schiliinger and tar pavement, $1,960. Percent- 
age taken off. 

Item 13. Stone work, $250. I think was paid. 

Item 14. Boteler's bill, $2,044.45. ~No percentage on this 
bill, and it was not cut down. 

Item 15. Shepherds' plumbing, gas-fitting, &c, $6,777.66. 
"No percentage was on this bill, and it was not cut down. 

Item 16. Furnishing carpets, furniture, &c, $16,782.82. 
~No percentage on this bill, and the bill was not cut down, 
but Mr. Wight's portion increased. 

While I have no doubt these bills have been cut down to 
$58,000, I do not believe they have been settled at that 
amount. I do not object to this Board of Public Works 
settling any bills they may have at the lowest possible rate, 
but I do object to their accusing me of acting unfaithfully 
and without economy in a matter over which I had no con- 
trol ; and trying to injure me before the people by misrep- 
resenting that I certified to bills that were grossly wrong. 
For while I think, as I stated before, these bills were large, I 



do believe that with any fair and satisfactory settlement they 

would not be reduced much ; for the bills from which the 

greatest reductions were made are either not settled or were 

settled with some consideration from another source. And 

the bills of the officers of the government are reported as 

correct. If one bill was right, they all were ; for in my 

judgment they were all equally high, and Mr. Shepherd's 

bill went quite as much beyond my expectation as any of the 

rest, as will be seen by comparing my letter to Moses Kelly 

for Mr. Shepherd with Mr. Shepherd's bill as settled. The 

letter says, $4,000. Shepherd's bill as rendered and paid, 

$6,777. As to the percentage charged by Mr. Baylor, he 

has a right to the builders' percentage ; but the committee, 

Mr. Shepherd, chairman, refused to give it on the ground 

that Mr. Baylor was employed the same as the other men, 

and that they were all directly under me, and not under Mr. 

Baylor. This I must deny, as it will be seen that Mr. 

ISTaylor twice drew the money to pay, and did pay, every one 

connected with the work, even to myself. And then, too, 

if such was the fact, I do not think Mr. Shepherd had a right 

to do any of the work connected with the building ; for he 

and myself (for the time being) were officers of Government, 

and I had no right to employ him, and I did not. He did 

his work for Mr. Naylor. 

The public now have all the facts connected with the 

work, and can jugde who acted faithfully and economically 

in this matter. 

Yerv respectfully, 

HEIS T EY K, SEARLE, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




